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lift question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by ilovemyjeep, Jan 15, 2006.

  1. Jan 15, 2006
    ilovemyjeep

    ilovemyjeep 1971 CJ-5 w/ Dauntless V6

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2005
    Messages:
    74
    I want to make my own "lift shackles" for my 71. I have all the materials but wanted to know what is the optimum length for shackles. Really I'd like them as long as possible without causing any problems. Nothing like 8" shackles or anything.. but 1", 1.5", 2"? etc

    Also, would there be any advantage to using some wrangler lift springs with SUA? I've been offered a set of 2.5" (i think) wrangler lift springs for free...

    Thanks.
     
    ilovemyjeep, Jan 15, 2006
    #1
  2. Jan 15, 2006
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    Keep in mind that whatever you extend the shackle by, you're only going to see half of that in lift amount. IMHO I wouldn't go over a 1" lift (2" longer shackle than stock). Actually even that might be too much for me...
     
    Boyink, Jan 15, 2006
    #2
  3. Jan 15, 2006
    ilovemyjeep

    ilovemyjeep 1971 CJ-5 w/ Dauntless V6

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2005
    Messages:
    74
    Is lengthening the shackles going to affect the stability of the jeep?
     
    ilovemyjeep, Jan 15, 2006
    #3
  4. Jan 15, 2006
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    6,197
    If you go too long it can - but I don't know what the magic number is. You're adding more leverage which can cause more side-to-side slop in the front suspension. Also more leverage in a spot where frame cracks are already common...
     
    Boyink, Jan 15, 2006
    #4
  5. Jan 15, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    Any changes to the suspension will change the handling. Longer shackles usually have an adverse affect if you get too long.
     
    sparky, Jan 15, 2006
    #5
  6. Jan 15, 2006
    ilovemyjeep

    ilovemyjeep 1971 CJ-5 w/ Dauntless V6

    Atlanta, Georgia
    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2005
    Messages:
    74
    What about the boomerang shackle design like I've seen on some wranglers. Any advantage to those over the H shackle on a cj?
     
    ilovemyjeep, Jan 15, 2006
    #6
  7. Jan 15, 2006
    michigan_pinstripes

    michigan_pinstripes I'm not lost, I'm wandering

    Clarkston MI...
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2003
    Messages:
    605
    I think the best is a 1/2" lift (1" over stock length) which is what I have (confer reinforced shackle + 33 Swampers). Anything higher looks tall IMO.

    Everyone has different tastes

    edit: I have 2.5" lift springs which IMO is the highest I would go... but I like the look alot
     
    michigan_pinstripes, Jan 15, 2006
    #7
  8. Jan 15, 2006
    Ghetto Fab.

    Ghetto Fab. Member

    Atascadero, Ca.
    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
    Messages:
    512
    Optimum shackle length is as short as possible. The longer it is the more lateral movement the shackle will allow. Shackles really only need to be long enough to allow the spring to go through its full range of motion. Braced shackles are slightly better at controlling lateral movement. When does it become a serious problem? I don't know.R)

    Keep in mind longer shackles on the front of a jeep will the front axle to have less caster angle and contribute to a wandering/loose steering feel.

    I thought boomerang shackles were developed for YJs as a way to get around some clearance issue on their frames.

    Kevo
     
    Ghetto Fab., Jan 15, 2006
    #8
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